I have lived on Staten Island all of my life, and I have seen how it has evolved over the years.

As I look around the Island — to the capital improvements in parks, the amenities available now at South and Midland Beach, the ballpark in St. George, water control in the Blue Belt, just to name a few, one name comes to mind, and that is our Borough President Jim Molinaro.

When he was deputy borough president alongside former BP Guy Molinari, the Island experienced the beginning of a renewal or renaissance.

I believe this is in no small part due to the uncanny way in which BP Molinaro has been able to work across party lines with politicians and NGOs [non-governmental organizations] to get things done on the Island.